I'm off to sunny California!

Through one of my good friends, I have met another new friend who lives out in LA. It just so happens that my new friend in LA is a commercial photographer. Our schedules worked out just right so that I get to go out to LA for a week and work with him. Not only will I get some work experience in a new market, but I also get to see my sister. Not to mention I, once again, get to step away from the Dallas heat! Work, friends, family, and the nice weather of sunny LA...Who could ask for more?

Life is good...

Where I laid dormant for the past week...

Life slowed down (and cooled down) for me over the past week. It was a much needed break. After completing a very hectic schedule over the past 2-3 months, I timed my vacation perfectly. I sat back, hung out with family, enjoyed the cool weather and beautiful views of Newfound Lake and the surrounding New Hampshire mountains, and just plain relaxed.

Click on the picture above for a larger view of where I spent my last week relaxing. And to view my first attempt at using Canon's PhotoStitch program that came with my new camera. After I put this picture together, I learned a couple of things that I would have done differently while taking the picture(s). There are a few visible seams, but it definitely gets the idea across.

Enjoy. I know I did.

Please excuse the bad photography.

I know it's not the best shot in the world but I wanted to post it anyway. As I was on my way to set up my drums at a local church early this morning I saw several hot air balloons in the distance. This one flew right over my car as I was driving under it. It was probably only 50 feet above my car. I actually rolled down my window to wave at the riders and they waved back. I came upon them so quick that I barely had a chance to fire off a shot.

Anyway, just a random occurrence that started off my Sunday morning and I thought I'd share it with you...

Mt. McKinley & Wonder Lake, Denali National Park, Alaska

...as captured by the great Ansel Adams.

I'm living vicariously through my parents and their retirement. They are currently in Alaska. They just spent a week doing some tours on land (including a couple days at Denali National Park) and are now on a cruise ship for the next week seeing the sights from the sea. Aaahhh...to be retired!

So much to see in this world, and so little time.

Keeping myself in check.

I work in downtown often. In fact, the studio that I work at the most often is actually on Main Street. One of the things that goes along with working on main street is having to deal with the homeless people that roam around the area. I have been approached countless times by guys looking for a buck. There are a number of canned stories about why they need the money that you hear very often. My most often response is that I do not carry cash on me. And that is not a lie. It is not very often that I carry cash in my wallet. I do however carry a little stash of ones in my car since I have to pay for parking everyday, but my response is not a lie to the beggars since I am almost always approached while walking to or from work. Seldom will they will approach you in your vehicle. I generally get to work a little early since I believe in punctuality. Sometimes I have to sit in my car and wait until someone else shows up before I can get into the studio. Well that happened this morning. As I was sitting in my car, listening to the radio. I was playing with my phone when I saw someone out of the corner of my eye heading straight for my car. I glanced up and there was a homeless man approaching. After having this happen before, and being the cynic that I am, I generally just wave at the people in a manner to tell them to move on. This generally works and I go on with my life. I always feel bad about prejudging these people and assuming that they just want a buck, but everytime I talk to them it is the same story over and over. And in the back of my head, I am always thinking "this money is just going to buy more booze". That's me, the cynic. I don't like the fact that I always think this way, but it is almost always what I think.

This morning was no different. When I saw the man approaching, I waved him on without even looking him in the eye. He just stood there, I looked up and he mouthed the word "please". I shook my head in a "I'm sorry, but no" manner and went on with my business of messing around with some settings on my phone. Excuse my language but, I felt like a real ass (but not as bad as I was about to feel). Anyway, the man began to stumble around the parking lot (which is rather small by the way), I saw him looking at the ground, every now and then bending over to pick something up. I assumed he was finding change. He walked near my car again and reached down to pick something up again. As I looked over, I saw him eating half of a cracker that he had just picked up off the ground. My heart sank. Here I was, sitting in my nice car, playing with my cell phone, while this man outside my car was outside eating a cracker that he just found on the ground. Feeling very ashamed of how I acted toward him just a few moments earlier, I began looking for any food or snacks that I had in my car. I found a pack of peanut butter crackers and quickly rolled down my window and tried to get his attention. It took a second, but he came over to my car and I handed him the crackers. I could tell by the look on his face that he was VERY thankful. He, very sincerely, said "thank you and God bless you". I could tell that he was very happy to have something to temporarily fill his stomach. He stumbled away, leaving me with my thoughts. I just sat there for the next few minutes (before venturing into work) thinking about my actions and remembering how good I have it, no matter how tight the money might be sometimes. It definitely gave me a different outlook on life for the day.

Bye Bye Bumper-to-Bumper

Let's all have a quick moment of silence for the passing of a dear friend that we all like to call a bumper to bumper warranty. Even though I never really had to use it, I was a little sad. I think I just liked the comfort of knowing that if anything happenned, I was covered. Just think, it only took me a year and a half to do what Toyota thought would take me three years. I wonder where the next 18 months will take me...

The Real March Madness

I was already a little upset about all of the protests that have been going on around the country in the past several days, but when I saw it with my own eyes it really got to me. I work on Main Street in Dallas, and the day was going along just like any other normal day until I looked out the window around 12:30 and saw four police cars coming down Main Street and clearing the street for a protest march. Very close behind were literally thousands of high school kids, holding posters and waving Mexican flags. I literally saw 2-3 thousand kids driving in cars and walking in protest to the immigration bill that is on the Senate floor. Not only did I see thousands of kids marching, I saw how many police were required for this to happen safely. When all was aid and done, I probably saw 20 police in their cars and another 20-30 that were on foot following the route of the protest (and I probably only saw half of the students and police that were involved). Another great use of our tax dollars. I saw one student with a sign that read "We're not Criminals!". While the student holding that sign may not have been an illegal immigrant, the sign was supporting those who are here illegally. What part of the term "ILLEGAL Immigrant" don't these people understand?! Another thing that kills me is the fact that all of these illegal immigrants and their families are mad at the AMERICAN government for not representing them. But our government was not put in place to be the voice of those who are not even citizens of this country. If you want a voice in our society, come here legally and become a citizen, then and only then do you get a voice. (However, I don't know how well our government represents its own citizens anymore anyway, but that is a blog for another time)

I understand that this immigration problem is not an easy problem to fix, but there is a major change needed. The beginning stages of fixing this problem properly could be very ugly to many, but it is something that is needed for the health of our nation. If our Senators and Representantives cave to the cries to these protests, WHAT IS NEXT?! Terrorists protesting or filing a lawsuit against America because we won't allow them to effectively practice their religion on our soil by killing themselves and murdering others in the name of Islam. I mean we do have "freedom of religion" in this country, and we don't want to deny anyone the freedom to practice their religion in our country, right?!! You may think I'm joking, but I wouldn't be surprised if someone at the ACLU hasn't already thought of this scenario.

That's enough for tonight...

Yes, I'm still alive...

I just have not found the time to post anything. I've got plenty of stuff to write on, but not too much time. Lately I've been getting home from work somewhere between 7:30 and 8:00. When I get home from work I generally spend about an hour to an hour and a half making something to eat (sometimes), eating, decompressing from a long day and trying to relax for a few minutes by watching a little TV. Then I generally head upstairs, get ready for bed, check my e-mail, and try to stay awake long enough to watch a little news while lying in bed fighting the weight of my eyelids. Every now and then I wake up around midnight or so and find myself with the TV still on and the remote, amazingly, still in my hand or somewhere close to it. Soon afterwards, I wake up, and the cycle begins again.

On the up-side of me not having the time or energy to post anything is the fact that I am working very consistently. (something that is a very good thing for someone who works freelance). I would much rather be tired every night than not have any work and struggling to make ends meet. It makes me think of a quote from the movie Bruce Almighty. While talking about manual labor, Morgan Freeman (God-in the movie) says to Jim Carey's character, "Some of the happiest people in the world go home smelling to high heaven.". While I may not "stink to high heaven" when I come home, my work could definitely be considered manual labor on most days. I think our society (America) fails to recognize what manual labor can do for your body and soul. We, as Americans, are too focused on making as much money as possible, as quickly as possible, with as little effort as possible. I hope our ignorance, our misdirected pride, and our greed does not become our downfall as a nation.

Sorry to get all philosophical on you for a second, sometimes it just comes out.

I'll talk to you all soon (hopefully).

Blog Funk...

Sorry to all of you who like to check up on me via my blog. I have been in a blog funk lately. I think it's like a sickness that you can catch because another friend of mine is going through the same funk. It's not that I don't have anything to post on, the problem is more about me finding the motivation to spend the time to post. Anyway, I' thought I'd give everyone an update and let you know I'm still alive after my trip to Colorado.

A quick trip update for everyone:
Overall, the trip was very successful. The only mishaps were a broken wrist (my friend's wrist, not mine) and a cracked windshield. Yes, the broken wrist sounds like a pretty major ordeal, but my friend had a good attitude about it so it was not as bad as it could have been. It was early in the trip so the night it happened and the next day we were all a little sad. But we still had a lot to look forward to, so our spirits were up. On the up side of the trip we were able to visit Evan Hecox (one of my favorite artists) in his studio, and we all left there with at least a couple pieces of work. Now I have to buy frames so I can have a little more art to display in my very meager collection. We also were lucky enough to know about a special edition Nike shoe release that in the long run should turn me a small profit. These special edition shoes are on a limited run and only release in a few special stores nationwide. The store we bought them at was the only store in Denver to get any and they only received 18 pairs. Also on my trip I was able to see several of my old friends and work mates along the way. It was great to see them.

Hopefully this blog funk will pass soon. It is looking like I've got a VERY busy week this next week, so even if I am motivated to post, I may put it off till the next week out of sheer exhaustion. But who knows, this week may turn out fine and you may be hearing from me very very soon.

till next time...

Off to Colorado...

Well, early tomorrow morning some of my friends and I leave for our trip to Colorado where once again I plan on conquering the mountain on my snowboard. Pray that we have safe travels on the road, and on the mountain.

A week in the mountains, on my board, and with friends. Who could ask for more?

Good things come in fours

I was recently tagged on the four lists. Meaning it is my turn to fill out the list of topics to let you know just a little more about me. Hopefully you enjoy it.


Four jobs I’ve had,
1. Chick-fil-a: 2 1/2 years in high school
2. Flower Delivery man
3. Computer Manufacturer: as a friend likes to say, I put the “Q” key on the keyboard. Okay, it was a little more involved than that…
4. Gamma Phi Beta Sorority: I kept the ladies in line….well, um…ok, maybe not, but I did keep the building up and running. And hey, I got to live in Denver, CO for a little while.

Four movies I’d watch on repeat,
1. Bottle Rocket – enough said…
2. Garden State
3. Amelie – it’s a little quirky, but hey it is a foreign film. I don’t know if I could actually watch this one on repeat but I do enjoy it a lot.
4. Happy Gilmore – My friends and I practically did watch this on repeat while in high school. Happy’s best pick up line…” My girlfriend’s dead you know? She fell off a cliff and died on impact.”

Four TV shows I love,
1. The Office – it took me a little but to get used to the American version after seeing the brilliance of the British version, but now I am on board 100%.
2. Lost
3. My Name is Earl
4. Seinfeld – I know it’s not on TV anymore (other than reruns), but I still love it.

Four vacation spots I’d love to frequent,
1. Colorado, Colorado, Colorado
2. California – I love all of it, the south side, the north side, the national parks…
3. New England and New York. I know that New York is not technically part of New England, but I will include it in this section. I love it all, New York City, Boston, Cape Cod, the lakes and mountains of New Hampshire and Vermont, coastal Maine, all of it.
4. The northwest. I’ve never been there, but I’ve only heard good things about Portland, Seattle, the western part of Canada (specifically, the Rockies in Canada), and Alaska.

Four websites I visit daily,
1. eBay
2. blogs of friends
3. Wooster Collective – it’s all about street art. While I don’t always like the art or the politics, it is usually interesting
4. Drudge Report – I don’t dig into it quite as deep as some people, but there can be some interesting stuff on there.

Four radio talk shows I love (ok, I added this category. But I have to admit that I’m a radio talk show junkie. It keeps me up to date with the news and helps my critical thinking skills, something that is easy to lose once you graduate college. The one thing I miss the most about college is the active engagement of my brain.),
1. Michael Savage – Simply the best in talk radio. Sometimes he can be hard to listen to if you are not used to him, but I recommend giving him a chance over several days, I think you’ll soon see why I say he is the best.
2. Dennis Prager
3. Bill Bennett, I was a little disappointed when the local station cut two of the three hours off this national show to bring in a local morning guy. The local guy is growing on me a little, but I think I still like Bill better.
4. Matt Drudge – he is only on the radio on Sunday nights, so I don’t get to hear him too often, but I have really enjoyed the times I have been able to listen.

Four foods I lust for (I don’t know if I actually lust for these foods, but I do really enjoy them.),
1. IN-N-OUT Burger – it can’t be beat.
2. Mi Cocina, Bryan/College Station, TX – Not to be confused with the Mi Cocina that is invading all of the big cities around the country. The big corporate one is too trendy to have good Mexican food. Not that the food is bad, but it is nothing to write home about in my book. The little hole in the wall Mi Cocina in Bryan/College Station however, has some of the best, simple, Mexican food I’ve tasted, not to mention their queso and hot sauce is simple yet supreme.
3. Chick-fil-a – Okay, I may have worked there but that in and of itself should say something about the quality and cleanliness of their food. After working there for 2 1/2 years, I still crave it.
4. A homemade Filet Mignon Steak – While I may have had some good steaks at different restaurants, nothing beats a nice cut of meat, seasoned and prepared to perfection over a slow cooking fire with some woodchips added for a little smoked flavor. While I have overcooked some steaks in the past, the times that I get it right are oh so good!!

Four changes to my house,
I don’t have a “my house” so I must bow out of this category.

Four beers I like, (I have never grown to like the taste of beer or almost any alcohol for that matter. So I will list some alcoholic drinks that I like without the alcohol in them. Some of you may disagree but I think the flavor of these drinks are much more vibrant without the alcohol in them.)
1. Virgin strawberry daiquiri
2. Virgin margarita
3. Virgin Pina Colada
4. I will stretch the category a little more here, but I like things that have Kahlua in them. I have had several desserts and chocolates with Kahlua in them and have enjoyed the taste. So I might like a drink that has a touch of Kahlua in it.

Four (actually six) artists I like, (a category I added and it was hard enough to narrow it down to six)
1. Barry McGee
2. Margaret Kilgallen
3. Evan Hecox
4. Chuck Close
5. Richard Avedon (photographer)
6. Mary Emma Hawthorne

Four tags (i.e. tag you’re it, meaning this is where I list people that I would enjoy reading their four list.) I know that some of you that I will list don’t have blogs, but I wanted to list you because I thought you might have an interesting list.
1. Brad C.
2. Jon M.
3. Ross (I don’t know if you even read my blog or not but I figured I’d list you anyway. I'd love to read your list.)
4. Caleb


I hope you enjoyed my list.

Photo Show

If you are in the Dallas area on Friday night and are looking for something to do, go check out my friend's show.

Where: Magnolia Theater
When: 6:30pm-8:30pm
Free Admission

If you can't make it to the opening, it will be up until March 9.
Support Matt. Buy a print.

See you there.

Kipling...

I'm not normally a poem guy, but I heard a poem the other day and portions of it stuck with me so I thought I'd share it...

Don't rush over this one, try to soak it in.

"If"

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you
But make allowance for their doubting too,
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:

If you can dream--and not make dreams your master,
If you can think--and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it all on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings--nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much,
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And--which is more--you'll be a Man, my son!

By Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936).

Who is Bozo Texino?

A film project by Bill Daniel which began in 1984, and was finally completed late in 2005. The idea began with Bill's fascination of Hobo Freight Train Art, and one moniker in particular, Bozo Texino. He decided that he wanted to find out who Bozo Texino was and why he wanted to leave his markings on so many trains across the nation. This search led him to find so many well known Hobo artists and get their stories. A very interesting documentary on the Hobo subculture and the Hobo Freight Train/Graffiti Art movement.

I heard about this documentary about 3-4 years ago and did not know it was incomplete at the time. I have been trying to see a viewing of it ever since. Well, yesterday I finally had my chance. And after years of anticipation, I was pleased with the documentary.

Thoughts for Christmas...

As we celebrate Christmas we hear a lot about the birth of Jesus. We know the story all too well. Yet we don't ask questions about certain details very often. There is something that I learned a couple of years ago and I thought I'd share it with everyone.

What am I getting at?

The Virgin Birth. We have heard about it our whole lives and just accept it but we never ask "Why?". Why was it necessary? If we have ever heard a preacher/pastor/teacher talk on the subject, the normal response to the question of "Why?" is: the depravity of man and our sinful nature. We are told that since we are born with a sinful nature, Jesus needed to be born of a virgin so that he could be free of that sinful nature that is passed down. But there is more to it than that! And I think it paints a bigger picure of God.

If you read Matthew chapter 1, you will find the genealogy of Joseph, Jesus' father. Most people skip over the first 17 verses of Matthew if they want to read the Christmas story. But I suggest that you read the genealogy and see what the Bible has to say about people in Jesus' generational history. I want to expose one of those people to you right now. In verse 11 and 12 you see that Jeconiah is in that line of people. Notice that Jeconiah's name has a footnote? Well those are there for a reason. Let's look at it. By looking at this footnote I find that Jeconiah's name is also Jehoiachin. It is just a variation in the Hebrew language. So now, let's look at what the bible has to say about Jehoiachin. For the sake of time and my typing fingers, we won't look at his life but let's look at what God has to say about his life. Jeremiah 22:30 says: (about Jehoiachin)

This is what the LORD says:
"Record this man as if childless,
a man who will not prosper in his lifetime,
for none of his offspring will prosper,
none will sit on the throne of David
or rule anymore in Judah."


Wait a minute!! Did that just say that "none of his offspring will prosper", "none will sit on the throne of David"?! How could that be? He is in Jesus' genealogy. That must not be true. But wait......oh yeah. THE VIRGIN BIRTH!! This is why Jesus could not be born of Joseph's seed. A curse/prophecy passed down from generation to generation ever since Jeconiah (aka. Jehoiachin). The virgin birth made it possible for Jesus to break the curse that was in his genealogy. Jesus could not have been Christ had it not been for the virgin birth.

Maybe this will help you get an even bigger picture of God in this holiday season. And hopefully it might make you think twice about reading the footnotes in your Bible and doing just a little investigation. Learning to use footnotes and cross references has helped me gain an even bigger view of who God is. They are there for a reason, use them.

May everyone have a MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

What some people will do for money...

A couple nights ago someone attempted to rob the ATM machine that I use most often. I've heard stories of this in the past and it doesn't surprise me too much. But this story was a little different. I've heard of people creating fake ATM cards. I've heard of people robbing Joe Schmo after he withdrew his money. I've even heard of people trying to steal the whole machine so they can try to break into it at home. But I've never heard of someone trying to break into a machine with an ax! It just struck me as strange. Strange enought that when I heard the news story it made me laugh. After his first attempt was unsuccessful he tried the same thing on to two more machines that are nearby. And when he was done playing "lumberjack", not only did he not receive any money, but now he has the joy of getting his face plastered all over the news stations in the Dallas area.



Smart kid.....real smart.

Why is blue raspberry invading all the candies?

I got home late tonight and I wasn't tired so I figured I might as well post something. This evening, I had a free night to do whatever I pleased. Well, I decided to go to the movies. I don't make it a habit to go to the movies alone but sometimes it is nice to just do your own thing. Poke fun if you want, but I wanted to see Pride and Prejudice. It is a story I've heard about for such a long time and it is referenced in so many other movies, so I was curious. And I'm not afraid to admit that I sometimes like the so-called "chick-flick". Some of them are horribly cheesy, but there are some that are done quite well. Being such a well-loved book by so many poeple, I had to at least give it a shot. Plus the trailer looked intriguing. The Chronicles of Narnia is also in theaters now but seeing a movie on opening day can sometimes be a big hassle. I generally like to wait at least a week or two so that the lines and crowds aren't quite as crazy. Also, if a movie turns out to be bad you generally hear about it after the first week or two.

Anyway....back to my evening. As I generally do before going to the movies, I picked up a couple sweets at the store on the way. Tonight my choices were a Hershey's bar and some Sour Skittles. I bought my ticket and was on my way. Of course, I had to stop and get popcorn and a drink. That smell of freshly popped popcorn gets me every time. So $100 later (that's what it feels like at least), I was in the theater and ready for it to start. Things were going well, the movie was progressing, I was enjoying the story, and my treats. Popcorn first, then a little later my chocolate bar, and a little later the sour skittles. When I got to the skittles I struggled with opening them quietly. Not an easy task when you are in a quiet part of the movie. So I waited a little until the movie got a little louder. Success. I masked the rustling well. Here is where my story turns a little sour... no pun intended. The first skittle in my mouth was blue raspberry. YUCK!! It was very distracting. Here I was trying to enjoy my movie, and all I could think about was "Why is blue raspberry invading all the candies?". I don't think replacing one of your tried and true flavors with blue raspberry is an upgrade. And does it actually make more people buy your candy? Just because you introduce a new flavor? A flavor that has already invaded so many other candies? A flavor that I, and most of the people I ask, don't really care for?

Well, I got over it, and ate my Skittles. Not without a touch of bitterness towards blue raspberry though. Something that, as far as I know, doesn't even exist in nature. I could be wrong, but I don't think there are any blue raspberries that occur naturally. I enjoyed the rest of the movie. The last scene could have been a little less cheesy, but overall I enjoyed the movie and would recommend it. There wasn't even a sex scene in this movie (a rarity these days). It just goes to show you that you can have a good movie without all the crudeness that Hollywood feels like the have to show us.

That's all for now....

It's me...

Welcome to a small peek inside of my brain. I have no idea where my adventures or thoughts will take you, but let's hope that it is somewhere fun or somewhere thought provoking. This picture is from a Polaroid that my friend Matt took of me after I finished yet another day of snowboarding at Copper Mountain last year. I've been watching the snow reports for this year and I can only hope the snow continues to drop this heavy all year. If it does, it looks like a wonderful year on the slopes. After having the mountains at such easy access for the past two winters I have become spoiled by having the ability to pick and choose my days of riding. Now that I am back in the Lone Star State I can only hope for good snow on my chosen week at the mountain this year.

I named this blog "dreaming of colorado" because that is often my state of mind. While I may live and work in the Dallas area my thoughts often go back to fond memories of my short stint as a Colorado resident. Don't get me wrong, I do not regret moving back to Texas one bit. I have never loved a job as much as I love my current job. But I do often think of Colorado. As I am writing this I am hearing on the news about a winter storm that is hitting Denver. Just the thought of it brings back so many memories of things that some people consider a hassle, but I always loved. Waking up early so you can warm up your car in single digit temperatures, while scraping 3-6 inches of fresh snow off your car. Leaving at least 15-20 minutes earlier than normal, turning on the 4-wheel drive and navigating the plowed and unplowed roads on your trek to work......Well, enough reminiscing for now. I'm sure you'll get a little more later....